The SM 4500-CN C method, which includes a test method for the determination of total cyanide, has been developed within the scope of the National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI), which creates a database containing environmental methods, protocols, statistical and analytical methods and procedures, and develops standard methods.
The term cyanide refers to inorganic cyanide in water. Cyanide exists in the aqueous medium as undissociated hydrogen cyanide, free cyanide ions, and anionic cyanide complexes with various metal cations. Hydrogen cyanide is a very weak acid. In water samples with approximately neutral pH, hydrogen cyanide is the more dominant form than the free cyanide ion.
Simple cyanide salts (sodium cyanide and potassium cyanide) dissociates completely in water unless other metal cations are present, then anionic cyanide complexes are formed. The stability of these complexes is pH dependent and variable.
Molecular hydrogen cyanide is highly toxic to aquatic life and is formed in cyanide solutions as a result of the hydrolytic reaction of free cyanide ions with water. The free cyanide ion is less toxic than hydrogen cyanide.
In advanced laboratories, tests are carried out to determine soluble cyanide and insoluble cyanide in solid wastes.
In the tests and analyzes carried out in our organization, which has a wide range of technological equipment, trained and experienced staff and applies the most modern methods, national and international standards and legal regulations in force are complied with. Among the numerous tests performed in this context, there are also total cyanide determination (SM 4500-CN C method) services.